Minister Kim Hyun-soo: "Eggs Are Currently Being Supplied in Sufficient Quantities"

Minister Kim Hyun-soo of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs attended the National Assembly's audit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs held by the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee on the 5th, reviewing documents. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Kim Hyun-soo, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said on the 5th regarding egg supply and demand, "Currently, there is sufficient supply."

Minister Kim attended the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee's audit held in Yeouido, Seoul, and explained major issues, stating, "The supply volume, which had decreased due to the impact of avian influenza (AI), has recovered to the normal level since the end of June due to the increase in the number of laying hens."

Regarding rice supply and demand, he said, "This year, the rice cultivation area has slightly increased compared to the previous year, and the weather conditions are favorable. Early maturing varieties generally have better yields than last year, but mid-late maturing varieties will be affected by weather conditions and pest and disease occurrences until the main harvest period." He added, "The government will purchase an appropriate amount necessary to stabilize supply and demand through public stockpiling and support for paddy purchase funds for mountain distribution companies, and will implement timely supply and demand stabilization measures based on the situation."

On the response to African Swine Fever (ASF) prevention, he emphasized, "In cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, we will newly install blocking fences on routes expected to spread wild boars, inspect and supplement vulnerable sections, and actively reduce the population through concentrated wild boar capture. We will also inspect and supplement farm quarantine facilities and compliance with quarantine guidelines, focusing on farms in nearby areas, and promptly install strengthened quarantine facilities at pig farms nationwide sequentially from border areas."

Earlier, Minister Kim cited this year's key tasks as ▲ strengthening the food self-sufficiency base ▲ institutionalizing livestock disease prevention systems ▲ digitalization of agriculture ▲ enhancing inclusiveness of agriculture and rural areas ▲ establishing a foundation for carbon neutrality in agriculture and rural areas and responding to climate change.